Best Climbing Tree Stand

Sometimes patience is your best attribute when hunting. You find a solid spot, place your bait, and then let your target come to you. In order to make sure you’re out of sight, the best climbing tree stand can put you above the action so you can let time pass in comfort. This type of stand will let you hike to your preferred spot, find a good tree, and then climb it so you can be ready to hunt almost instantly. You might look like an inchworm while doing it, but you’ll give yourself a great chance to come home with filled tags.

The Best Chart for Climbing Tree Stands

Some climbing tree stands are pretty basic, providing you with a metal seat and that’s about it. Others are extremely comfortable, much like a lawn chair, with enough padding to make sure you don’t get sore spots that make you shift and give away your position. We’ve found the most reliable options according to public reviews and put them here in this chart for your consideration.

What Is a Climbing Tree Stand? Why Would I Need One?

Unlike some other tree stand options, a climbing tree stand is made up of two parts. The bottom part is the standing platform, and then above it is the seat. Some seats will have backs on them for added comfort, while others that are more of any entry-level stand let the tree itself act as a rest for your back. A strap normally connects these two parts so hunters don’t get stranded with the bottom falling out, plus the strap system helps to make climbing the tree a bit easier.

In order to use a climbing tree stand, you’ll need to select a tree that has no limbs at all up to the desired height you’ll want to be. Branches are going to prevent you from climbing any higher. For this reason, hunters who are out in old growth forests typically have more success. You could cut off protruding limbs, but that may be prohibited by law.

Then you just work your way up the tree using the angled components of the stand so you literally climb the tree with the stand. To get down, you simply reverse the process. This way you can be a stationary hunter at a prime location without worrying about other hunters accidentally mistaking you as a deer, a bear, or even a duck – it’s been known to happen.

The video below will take you through the steps needed for a successful experience.

How to Find the Best Climbing Tree Stand for Me

Since climbing tree stands all have the same basic overall design so that you can quickly get up a tree and start hunting, you’re looking at size, durability, weight and comfort when evaluating each product. Tree stand reviews can help you take a look at these four key points with more depth. Here are some pointers we’ve selected to help separate the best stands from the average ones.

Comfort. Most hunters don’t mind sitting in any tree stand for an hour or two. If you’re going to be up there for longer than that, however, you might find your back and your butt starting to scream in agony. It’s ok to be comfortable while hunting. We won’t tell anyone. Look for weather-resistant products that won’t wear out after one hunting season.

Durability. A climbing tree stand is going to take some abuse. You’ll need one that can withstand the dents and dings that naturally come from climbing trees.

Weight. If you’re hiking a couple miles into the woods, then you don’t want to be carrying 50 pounds of gear in addition to your firearm, bow, or other preferred weapon. Look for lightweight alloys for the best climbing tree stand.

Size. There are some massive climbing tree stands on the market today. There are also some very tiny tree stands that look like they’d struggle to support a 7 year old. Make sure the size of your stand can support the size of your body.

Field and Stream offers an opinion on what they feel is the best climbing tree stand on the market, but we found the comments section in that link to be very useful. Take a few moments to read through the commentaries of fellow hunters if you’re still unsure about what your needs might be and we think this will help a lot.

You’ll notice that many of the mentioned preferred climbing tree stands have models which are available right now for purchase, with some even making the chart above. Consider your needs, match them up to the tree stand’s features, and you’ll find a solid solution for your stationary hunting needs.

What Are the Prices of the Best Climbing Tree Stands?

Pricing in this category depends on practicality, construction, and comfort. Some entry-level models can be found for around $100 and this will give you a basic stand that is suitable for 2-5 hours of stationary hunting. Many hunters find that these are suitable for deer hunting around their property.

On the other end of the spectrum, some very comfortable and durable climbing tree stands can be priced near $400. Just make sure to look for a weight that you can handle. For our top selections, weight varies from 17-29 pounds.

What Do Our Reviews Have to Say?

The problem with so many climbing tree stands is that they can be really noisy when you’re using them. Even after you balance out the stand, every movement you make can cause some creaking, which alerts your targets to stay away. The 5 channel platform frame on this model has sound deadening technologies which create a very silent solution for your stationary hunting needs. The best tree stands don’t need to have foam padding, but this one does, and you’ll stay comfortable for an extended sit. We found this one quite easy to use and loved it – and we think you will too.

Don’t let the price of this tree stand fool you. It might be an entry-level model, but it will still get the job done for you. Another added benefit is that many jurisdictions allow patrols to confiscate tree stands as collateral if they believe you are in violation of a hunting code for some reason. Since this stand is cheaper than a potential ticket, you won’t have to worry about tracking someone down. Of course following all laws is part of an ethical hunt, but should something unexpected happen, you can just buy a new stand and call it a day.

As mentioned by other reviewers, the Lone Wolf series trades effectiveness for comfort. You’ll still get a good 4-5 hours of stationary hunting in without much problem with this climbing tree stand, but more than that could put a strain on your body. Using the harness system with this stand was particularly easy, letting us get into a tree in literally no time at all. It’s relatively quiet, relatively light, and will give you a stable platform for your target area. Maybe the one downside is that it supports a maximum of 350 pounds, so larger hunters might not be able to bring all of their gear along.

Instead of a padded seat that could develop mold or mildew when exposed to outdoor elements, this particular climbing tree stands offers a mesh seat with arm supports so you receive the same level of comfort with lower maintenance requirements. It also features a 3-way design so hunters can use their preferred stationary hunting style without a problem. This was the quietest stand we got to test, but it is also the heaviest of the tree stands we got to test. The steel is strong, but the total capacity is only 300 pounds and the seat width 21 inches. Overall we found the platform well-designed and supportive and for that, it receives our recommendation as one of the best tree stands on the market today.

Why is this potentially the best tree stand available right now? For starters, take a look at the price. You get the same Summit quality for about 50% of what many other models from this brand cost. There isn’t a compromise on quality either. You receive dual seat foam for improve comfort, spacious seating so you have plenty of room, and the 4 point harness and lineman loops you need for safety and stability. We did find that this tree stand worked best when the base of the tree was 12+ inches in diameter. You can even adjust the seat if you wish.

The best climbing tree stands will give you a stable platform for your preferred method of hunting. Know your needs, find the features to match, and you will be able to have the best stationary hunting experience you’ve ever had this coming season.